Stylist Inspires Next Generation at College Where she Trained 25 Years Ago
A former Bournemouth and Poole College student has returned to train the next generation of hairdressing talent after almost three decades in the industry.
Hairdressing lecturer Nicola Dorrington is now teaching at the college where she studied for her Level 3 Diploma back in 2001.
Having started in salons as a ‘Saturday girl’, aged just 13, Nicola brings a lifetime of experience to the classroom, inspiring and training the next generation of hairdressers.
Over the past 28 years, Nicola has held roles in prestigious salons in the UK and in Marbella, Spain. She now balances her time between working three days a week as a stylist at Collective in Westover Road, Bournemouth, and two days lecturing at Bournemouth & Poole College, where she started her role in January 2026.
Nicola said:
“I’ve always done everything in the salon, so I have a really good all-round understanding of hairdressing. I’m particularly confident in colour correction and cutting, and Yuko Japanese straightening is another area I’ve developed a real specialism in.”
Combining salon work with teaching allows her to bring current salon experience directly into her lessons, adds Nicola:
“Working in the salon and lecturing works really well because I’m still in the industry and know what’s happening day to day. I can teach from the inside out, sharing real experiences and preparing students for what salon life is actually like.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping and training junior members of staff in the salon, so teaching felt like a natural next step. I’m currently teaching Level 1 Hairdressing, which gives students the essential foundations and introduces them to the realities of working in a professional salon.
“I’m really enjoying being a lecturer. It’s so rewarding watching students progress and seeing how proud they are of what they achieve. I particularly enjoy teaching the basics because getting those foundations right is so important before moving on to more advanced colouring and cutting techniques.”
Returning to the college in a teaching role has also given Nicola the opportunity to continue developing professionally, with further qualifications and assessor training forming part of her journey.
She adds:
“I work with some lovely people at the college. They’ve helped me so much since I started, and we’re a really supportive, close-knit team. Everyone helps each other, which makes such a difference.”
Outside of hairdressing and teaching, Nicola is kept busy raising her three boys, including twin sons, and enjoys travelling.
Nicola Hairdressing Lecturer
